Grassley Applauds Iowa’s First National Youth Poet Laureate, Daniel Umemezie

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore “ Iowan Daniel Umemzie is Named National Youth Poet Laureate ” Thursday, June 11, 2026 VIDEO I want to honor a young Iowan. So, I’m here to recognize Daniel Umemezie, who was recently named the tenth National Youth Poet Laureate. Daniel is a recent graduate of Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. That’s 10 miles from my farm. Daniel is already a master of poetry. Last year, he was named Iowa’s student poet ambassador. This year, he was named the tenth National Youth Poet Laureate. This makes him the first Iowan to receive this prestigious award in poetry. Daniel’s poetry uses his childhood growing up in Nigeria as an inspiration for his work. I want to congratulate Daniel on this achievement. Daniel, you’re making the state of Iowa proud. -30-